Expat remittances from Kuwait reach 5.1 billion dinars in 2025, highest in four years
- Transfers increased by 784 million dinars compared to 2024, marking an 18.13% annual rise, according to the Central Bank of Kuwait.
- The 2025 figures are close to the 2021–2022 peak of over 5.4 billion dinars, after a dip in 2023.
- Growth was supported by strong demand for expatriate labor in sectors such as oil, construction, healthcare, services, and infrastructure, along with government project spending.
- The strength of the Kuwaiti dinar, digital banking expansion, and stable economic conditions boosted remittances, which are expected to remain high with continued development activity in Kuwait.
Remittances sent abroad by expatriate workers in Kuwait surged to 5.1 billion dinars in 2025, marking the highest recorded in the past four years, highlighting the continued strength and resilience of the country’s labor market.
According to data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait, expatriate remittances increased by approximately 784 million dinars compared to 2024, representing annual growth of around 18.13 percent. Remittances totaled 4.32 billion dinars in 2024 and 3.866 billion dinars in 2023.
The latest figures bring remittance levels close to the post-pandemic peak recorded in 2021 and 2022, when transfers exceeded 5.4 billion dinars annually before declining in 2023.
The strong rebound reflects continued demand for expatriate workers across key sectors including oil, construction, healthcare, trade, services, and infrastructure.
Analysts say the stability of Kuwait’s labor market, combined with ongoing government spending on development projects and public services, has supported employment levels and improved the earning capacity of workers.
Quarterly data for 2025 showed remittances reaching 1.21 billion dinars during the first quarter, 1.32 billion dinars in the second quarter, 1.26 billion dinars in the third quarter, and 1.3 billion dinars in the final quarter of the year.
The strength of the Kuwaiti dinar also played a major role in increasing the value of overseas transfers, while improved economic conditions in many expatriates’ home countries encouraged workers to send more money for investments, family support, savings, and small business activities.
Financial technology and digital banking services further accelerated remittance flows during the year. The growing use of mobile banking applications, digital transfer platforms, and e-wallet services helped reduce transaction costs and improve the speed of international money transfers.
Kuwait continues to rank among the Gulf region’s most attractive labor markets for expatriates due to its economic stability, competitive income levels, and ongoing demand for skilled and service-sector workers.
With major development projects and economic expansion expected to continue, remittance levels are likely to remain elevated in the coming years as Kuwait maintains its position as a key employment destination in the region.
